Whitney Houston is preparing for her comeback. She is in the process of getting a divorce from Bobby Brown. Whitney has requested a default judgment, and she is seeking custody of her daughter Bobbi Kristina. Bobby Brown would get visitation rights. He has been very quiet lately. I don’t think he is going to go away quietly though. As Whitney prepares to resume her music career, she is sticking close to her drug counselor, Warren Boyd. This is the same man who helped Rocker Courtney Love. Can Whitney do it? A lot of people are rooting for her because this would be one of the greatest comebacks in history. Despite the madness of her life, she is truly one of the greatest singers of this generation. She still has a long way to go. In addition to staying drug free, she has to make better choices in her romantic life. Now whether rumored boyfriend Ray J is a friend or a romance, Whitney does not need to be seen in public with him. In addition to the family drama involving his sister Brandy, Ray J is involved in a sex tape controversy. The sex tape features him and Socialite Kim Kardashian. The two of them are featured in various sex acts, and at one point, he urinates on her. This disgusting sex tape is going on the market, and it is going to make a lot of money for them. Kardashian is the best friend of Bigot Socialite Paris Hilton, and a sex tape is how Hilton became famous. As Whitney prepares for her comeback, she doesn’t need Ray J in her life. He is an opportunist. A wanna be thug-singer whose claim to fame will be that he peed on an ex-girlfriend.
Ray J’s sister Brandy got some good news this past week. Last week, it was announced she was getting sued for $50 million by the parents of the woman she accidentally killed in a car crash. Late last year, Brandy triggered a four car crash that killed a 38-year old woman. There were no drugs or alcohol involved. Brandy was just negligent. It was an accident. The woman’s parents immediately filed the lawsuit, but a judge is expected to rule that the parents have no right to file a lawsuit. Their daughter was married with two children. Her immediate family are the only ones who can file a wrongful death suit. Plus, the woman’s parents lived in Morocco, and they have not seen their daughter in 11 years. The daughter has lived in the United States since 1995. The husband of the young woman killed is looking at his options, assessing what Brandy is worth, and what was in her insurance policy. I doubt if Brandy will go to jail, but she will have to pay out something to the family of the young woman.
Word has it Actress Victoria Rowell is leaving the soap opera, The Young and The Restless. For the past 13 years, she has played the popular character “Drucilla.” Right now, she’s in involved in a silly storyline involving a murder. Hopefully, this will not ruin the history of the character. Her final day is scheduled for April 1st.
The new Gerald Levert CD, In My Songs, is coming out on the 13th. This is the album he was working on at the time of his death. In My Songs reveals how vulnerable Gerald was. He was 40-years old and a 22-year music vet, but did he miss being loved? Yes he had baby mamas and numerous girlfriends, but he never got married. Was he yearning for the true love of his life? I remember interviewing him and getting him to open up about Singer Kandi Burress. Burress was the Grammy award-winning songwriter who started out in the group Xscape. Gerald was crazy about her, but it didn’t work out. He expressed to me his disappointment about it not working out.
I thought he was dating Soror Kym
Diana Ross’s latest album is not selling. The album is all love song covers. Ross is scheduled to appear on the Bravo TV show Inside The Actor’s Studio on February 19th. During the two hour special, she will talk about her movie career and such films as Lady Sings The Blues, Mahogany and The Wiz. Ross would like to do more TV, including The Oprah Winfrey Show. Years ago, Ross appeared on Oprah’s show to promote a tell-all book she wrote, but the problem was she didn’t tell all, including the true parentage of her first child Rhonda Ross. Rhonda’s dad is Motown Founder Berry Gordy, but Diana failed to mention it until the book came out. Oprah felt betrayed because she felt Diana should have been honest from the door instead of lying. Despite the fact that Oprah grew up idolizing Ross, she has vowed not to devote a whole show to the Diva.
Now speaking of Divas, is Oscar Nominee Jennifer Hudson becoming a Diva? Hudson graces the cover of the March edition of Essence magazine, and she talks about American Idol, where she got her start. Hudson claims the show was abusive. Hudson was a contestant the year that Fantasia won the competition. Her song choices and clothing were often criticized, and she was booted from the show. I think Hudson should get over the Idol thing. Accept your journey. Now Idol was a stepping stone for you, so there’s no need to keep bringing up how you lost the competition. Simon’s attacks made you stronger, and now look where you are (hopefully a couple weeks away from winning an Academy Award). Hudson also talks about Jennifer Holliday, the singer who originally played the role of “Effie White.” Holliday made the song And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going an instant classic. Before the movie came out, Jennifer expressed her disappointment about not having anything to do with the project. She felt she was being cast aside, and her legacy was being taken away from her. This has not been the case. Because of the movie, there has been a renewed interest in Holliday’s career. In the Essence interview, Hudson talks about the Holliday criticism. She basically said that Holliday should get over it and not let one song be the only song she sings (OUCH!). Hudson is going to have to get better coaching during interviews. Don’t let interviewers drag you into some nonsense. Speak respectfully of Holliday, move on and keep the spotlight on you. You don’t want to appear cocky and arrogant. In this business, you can be hot for the moment and cold the next. Hudson looks amazing thanks to the fashion stylings of Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley. She will start recording her first album next month.
If anyone saw Leno Monday, she clairfied the interview. And I am 
at Jay for not having her sing!
Vivica A. Fox opens in the latest issue of Upscale magazine about her plastic surgery. Fox says if there are steps she has to take in order to look good, she will take them. She declares she loves the way she looks, and could care less what people think. She says when she looks in the mirror, she sees Vivica. Vivica is also featured in the latest issue of Smooth magazine, and she looks amazing. She’s in a bikini, and for a woman in her 40’s, she looks great. Vivica says her routine includes working out and drinking lots of water. Vivica recently suffered a fashion mishap in Miami. Her wig came off when she was getting out of a car. Her publicists insist it was a fur shawl, but bystanders say it was Viv’s wig.
Why would you need a wig in Miami? 
Mike Tyson is acting like the model patient in rehab. Tyson entered rehab for his drug problems, and workers say he has been on his best behavior. Tyson is trying to avoid a long jail sentence stemming from an incident last year when he ran into a sheriff’s vehicle with his car and admitted drug use.
Jill Scott and Tyler Perry? YES! Jill Scott will be starring in the next two Tyler Perry projects, ‘Jazzman” and ‘Why Did I Get Married.” She also has another new movie coming out this summer.
The latest Tyler Perry movie, Daddy’s Little Girls, opens in theatres on the 14th. The movie stars Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Tracee Ellis Ross. Gabrielle Union says she loved working with Tyler on the movie. Union says life is good for her right now, even though she is not dating baseball star Derek Jeter. She says they are just friends. Idris Elba is best known for his work as “Stringer Bell” on the HBO series The Wire, but he is also a DJ. Yes Idris spins on the ones and two’s, and he has a compilation disc coming out later this year.
The NBA All Star game is taking place Sunday, February 18th at 8:00pm on TNT. Mary J. Blige and Toni Braxton are scheduled to perform.
Now that Michael Jackson is setting up shop in Las Vegas, will he make amends with his family? According to published reports, Michael’s dad Joe Jackson was barred from seeing his son by the Nanny. Joe reportedly showed up in Vegas to see his son but, the Nanny, Grace Rwarmba, wouldn’t let him in. Papa Joe stood outside for three hours, but the Nanny wouldn’t budge. Nanny Grace rules Michael with an iron fist. She helps him raise his kids, and manage his life. When Michael wants to use the phone, he has to wait for Nanny Grace to leave the premises.
Queen Latifah’s long awaited HBO project, Life Support, debuts on HBO March 10th. The movie tells the story of black families dealing with AIDS. Latifah plays an HIV positive former drug user. Jamie Foxx co-stars.
The 21st Annual Soul Train Awards are set for March 10th. Beyonce leads the nominations with three. Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo and John Legend all have two nominations each.
Mary J. Blige will be on the March cover of Vibe magazine. Blige agreed to the cover photo at the request of the new management of the magazine. The old management of Vibe humiliated Blige with a poorly taken photo that was released months ago. Blige blasted the editors of that issue for their cruelty. Word has it she is very happy with the latest March cover.
Chris Tucker is acting up on the set of Rush Hour III. Filming is underway in Los Angeles, and all the major characters are in place. Brett Ratner is directing and Jackie Chan is back as Tucker’s partner, but Tucker is not happy with the script. Apparently, when Chris is not happy, he locks himself in his trailer and refuses to come out. Tucker is getting paid $25 million for this movie, and it’s slated to be released later this year. I am sick of remakes. Does anyone really care about a Rush Hour III?
Protesters across the country are voicing their concerns about the latest Eddie Murphy movie Norbit. Murphy plays most of the major characters in the movie, including a very large, obese woman who is at the center of the controversy. The protestors feel Murphy is playing a character that is demeaning to African American women. A character that continues to perpetuate negative stereotypes about large black woman including being sexually aggressive, unattractive, violent and promiscuous. The protesters wonder why he would release this kind of movie during Black History Month. They feel he should apologize to the African American community. Norbit also stars Thandie Newton, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Eddie Griffin, Clifton Powell and Katt Williams.
Tyra Banks is definitely on a quest to become the younger version of Oprah Winfrey, but Tyra still has a long way to go. Oprah is known for treating her staff to lavish gifts like Hawaiian vacations, spending sprees and cars. Staffers on the set of The Tyra Banks Show were given thank you notes and ten dollar gift cards for their hard work. Maybe next year they’ll get a trip.
Courtney Vance and Angela Bassett are about to release their new book about their love and relationship. Friends: A Love Story is out in stores, and it’s the amazing story about their romance. Vance and Bassett have been married for ten years. They write about waiting until they were married before they had sex, and the years they spent trying to have a child. Last year, a surrogate gave birth to twins for the couple. The babies are now a year old.
Rocker Bono is getting honored at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. The front man for the Rock Band U2 will be receiving The Chairman’s Award for his humanitarian efforts involving AIDS in Africa. The awards show is set for Friday, March 2nd on Fox. Bill Cosby and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien are also being honored. Rapper/Actor LL Cool J will be hosting.
The 49th Annual Grammy Awards air this Sunday, February 11th on CBS. Beyonce is one of the scheduled performers. Mary J. Blige is up for eight awards.
Gospel Music’s biggest night, The 2007 Stellar Awards, is set to air February 18th on Channel 17 at 4pm.
The concert scene is heating up. Check out
http://2downfront.com/Calendar.htm for upcoming events
New in theaters this week, Norbit starring Eddie Murphy.
Upcoming Movies:
February 13th- Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls- Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Tracee Ellis Ross.
March 2nd- Wild Hogs- John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and Tim Allen.
March 16th- I Think I Love My Wife- Chris Rock, Gina Torres and Kerry Washington.
Also coming in March- Pride – Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac.
April 6th- Are We Done Yet? Ice Cube and Nia Long.
My Brother Marvin is the life story of Marvin Gaye. The stage musical was written by Marvin’s sister, Zeola Gaye. My Brother Marvin will be at the Merriam Theatre, February 14th-18th. The musical stars Keith Washington, Clifton Powell, Marvin’s daughter Nona Gaye, Tony Grant and John Canada Terrell.
Men, Money & Golddiggers is also coming to Philly at the Merriam Theatre, February 27th- March 4th. The play stars Robin Givens, Carl Payne, Miguel Nunez, Jr., Chico Benymon and Essence Atkins.
WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She is the wife of a hip hop mogul. The marriage is a total sham. He dates other women, and so does she. But, she’s afraid to come out of the closet.
[Kimora